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“This Website was developed [in part] under a grant number 5 SP014683 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ONDCP, SAMHSA or HHS.”

ABOUT CHAMPABOUT CHAMP

THIS IS WHO WE ARE

CHAMP is a non-partisan coalition of leaders from every sector of the community committed to reducing substance use and abuse and the problems it creates in our county. Special attention is given to the prevention of underage alcohol use. The coalition provides strategic direction and broad-based community support for the countywide implementation of evidence-based, environmental prevention in Wadena County.

The coalition has established strong collaborative relationships between schools, city and county governments and community-based organizations. Collaboration has fostered the sharing of resources, information dissemination, established programs to prevent substance use and successful implementation of substance use prevention curriculum in all public schools in Wadena County. Collectively our efforts are helping prevent substance use and abuse.

OUR MISSION

As a community coalition, our mission is to improve and enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for our children and community by reducing substance use and abuse. The Chemical Health Awareness and Multi-Drug Awareness (CHAMP) Coalition is an organization dedicated to decreasing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among youth in Wadena County. CHAMP members include representatives from local government, schools, social agencies, faith-based organizations, parents, the community at large and students.

OUR GOALS

1. Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities to support the efforts of community coalitions to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth.

2. Reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.

Most of Us®

MOST of Us is a campaign that highlights the difference between reality and perception about teen drinking launched throughout Wadena county in Fall 2008. The research based-campaign is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Most kids overestimate the extent to which their peers are using alcohol. Once they know the facts that their peers aren't all using alcohol they cut their alcohol use because they want to be like the biggest share of the crowd.

The campaign is based on the results of MOST of Us survey of high schools in the target communities that showed among other things that:

The Social Host Ordinance holds individuals (social hosts) criminally responsible for hosting or allowing an event or gathering on private or public property where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume alcohol, regardless of who supplied the alcohol.

This ordinance applies to situations in which:

The social host knows or reasonably should know that alcohol is being possessed or consumed by person under 21 years of age at their residence or premises. A social host does not need to be present for this ordinance to apply.

The social host fails to prevent possession or consumption by the underage person(s) at any event that s/he is hosting on public or private property.

What is an “event or gathering”?

An “event or gathering” means a group of persons who have assembled on private property or in a public place for a social occasion or a social activity.

What is the penalty for violating this ordinance?

A violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor, subject to a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

FOR TEENS

www.abovetheinfluence.com
Above the Influence. It’s a state of mind. It’s about being yourself and not letting negative influences get to you. Pressure to drink, do drugs or do anything that goes agains who you are in order to fit in – that’s negative influence. And if you’re one of the teens who want to stay above it, check out Above the Influence!

FOR PARENTS

Parents are very important to helping teens live drug and alcohol free. Below are several links to helpful and educational information that can be used as resources in your discussions with your child, friends or family members. Help your teen avoid risky behaviors.

www.drugfree.org
The Partnership at Drugfree.org is a nonprofit organization that helps parents prevent, intervene in and find treatment for drug and alcohol use by their children.

http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkupFamily Checkup uses videos and other information to highlight parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth: communication, encouragement, negotiation, setting limits, and supervision.

Between the ages of 9 and 13, children start to view alcohol more positively and begin to think underage drinking is OK. Some even start to experiment. It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol. Check out Talk. They Heaer you to get information about how to start the conversation about alcohol before their children are teenages.

THE LATEST

UPCOMING EVENTS

OUR PARTNERS

The following partners assist CHAMP in its goal of alcohol-free and drug-free youth in Wadena County.

KSKK Radio
Freshwater Education District
Menahga Police Department
Menahga Public School
Sebeka Public School
Tri-County Hospital
Verndale Police Department
Verndale Public School
Todd-Wadena Community Corrections
Wadena County Attorney Office
Wadena County Public Health
Wadena County Family Services Collaborative
Wadena County Sheriff Office
Wadena County Social Services
Wadena Ministerial Association
Wadena Police Department
Wadena County Youth

...and many other parents and community members who give their time and talent.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Anyone can become a partner, sponsor, or volunteer who has an interest in supporting local efforts with CHAMP to make their community safe, healthy, and drug-free for youth. Partners include parents, teachers, young people, law enforcement officials, health and social service agency providers, the faith community, business and civic leaders, elected officials, and concerned citizens.

HOW CAN I HELP?

Becoming a partner is easy. Contact the Coalition Coordinator at (218) 631-7629 or email us at champforwc@gmail.com. We will get back to you promptly to discuss how you can join our efforts and take an active role with CHAMP.

CHAMP is a non-partisan coalition of leaders from every sector of the community committed to reducing substance use and abuse and the problems it creates in our county. Special attention is given to the prevention of underage alcohol use. The coalition provides strategic direction and broad-based community support for the countywide implementation of evidence-based, environmental prevention in Wadena County, Minnesota.